Legal Aid BC · 2020. 9. 9. · Legal Aid BC (LABC) provides legal information, advice and...
Transcript of Legal Aid BC · 2020. 9. 9. · Legal Aid BC (LABC) provides legal information, advice and...
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6th Floor, 543 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 1X8 sentisresearch.com
Mary Bacica | [email protected] | 604.566.8913Alana Kendrick | [email protected] | 604.566.8914
P R E PA R E D F O R
August 24, 2020
Legal Aid BCEveryday Legal Needs
2020 Survey
Sherry Poirier | Senior Policy AnalystBrad Daisley | Manager, Communications & General Counsel
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CONTENTS
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03 06 14 55Background, Objectives
& MethodologyHighlights Detailed Findings Appendix
Highlights 07
Impact of COVID-19 on Legal Problems
08
Snapshot of 5 Top Most Common Legal Problems
09
Legal Problems Experienced 15
Responding to Legal Problems 20
Non-Legal Assistance 25
Legal Assistance 29
Legal Problem Outcomes 33
Impact of Legal Problems 42
Justice System Perceptions 46
Respondent Profile 48
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Background, Objectives & Methodology
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BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES
4
Legal Aid BC (LABC) provides legal information, advice and representation services to low income British Columbians facing legal problems.
To ensure it provides the most effective services to this group, LABC has historically conducted a research study (the Everyday Legal Needs Survey) with low-income individuals across the province.
The objectives of this survey are to better understand the types of legal problems low income British Columbians are facing, how they deal with these legal problems and how these legal problems affect their perceptions of the justice system in BC and affect their everyday lives.
LABC typically conducts the Everyday Legal Needs Survey every 5 years, with previous waves run in 2008, 2013 and 2018. However, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted LABC to run the survey in 2020 to help gauge the effect that COVID-19 may have had on the legal problems of low-income British Columbians.
Specific areas of investigation include:
〉 The types of legal problems low income individuals deal with〉 How they have sought to rectify these legal problems〉 The barriers they have faced when addressing these legal problems〉 The impact these legal problems have had on them〉 Their perceived fairness of the justice system in BC〉 NEW 2020: The impact of COVID-19; including whether legal problems resulted from the pandemic and whether the pandemic
affected problem outcome or resolution.
Note: A number of updates were made to the study in 2018, including revisions to the survey questions, online programming, qualifying criteria, and data weighting. Therefore, this report focuses on only the findings from the 2020 and 2018 surveys as the results are not directly comparable to prior waves.
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METHODOLOGY
Mathematical weighting was applied based on age and gender within region to the incoming sample (i.e. those who answered the qualifier questions) to ensure it was reflective of the province’s population aged 18 and older.
This weighting approach ensures the resulting 1,207 qualified respondents were representative of low-income individuals in BC.
The margins of error for a sample size of 1,207 at the 95% level of confidence is ±3%. Please note that margins of error will be greater for sub-group analysis shown in this report.
Reporting note: the results for several questions are presented based on a summary of the total responses rather than the actual number of respondents (i.e. each legal problem experienced by a respondent is considered one unique response). This has been footnoted on all relevant pages.
1,207 surveys with low income British
Columbians
Survey open fromJune 29 - July 15, 2020
11-minute online survey
Eligible respondents had to be BC residents, 18+, not closely related to a legal aid employee or lawyer or living with anyone who is, and,
meet low income eligibility cut-offs.
*Sourced from the BC government’s 2018 Low Income Climate Action Tax Credit table and adjusted for 2020 by cost of living.
Criteria for Low Income
Eligibility*(based household size and annual household income before taxes)
+
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Highlights
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HIGHLIGHTSLegal Problem Incidence
of low-income British Columbians have experienced at least one of the 13 types of legal problems in the past 3 years
Average # of types of legal problems experienced: 7
Consumer Problems
Employment Problems
Money or Debt Problems
Housing or Land Problems
Discrimination Problems
Top 5 Legal Problems Experienced(% experiencing legal problem in the past 3 years)
51% 38% 34% 34% 33%
〉 Police Incidents 17%〉 Legal Action Problems 16%〉 Immigration Problems 15%
Least Frequent Legal Problems Experienced
(% experiencing legal problem in the past 3 years)
45%
43%
31%
29%
21%
Emotional health issues
Financial issues
Physical health issues
Employment issues
Safety / security / violence issues
Top Issues Experienced as a Result of Legal Problems(% experiencing issue as a result of their legal problem(s))
Justice System Perceptions(among all low income British Columbians)
49% 31% 21%
Agree DisagreeNeutral/ Don’t Know
The laws and justice system in Canadian society are
essentially fair
42% 37% 21%The justice system in British
Columbia is effective at resolving legal problems
83% vs. 76% in 2018
vs. 6 in 2018
vs. 43% in 2018 32% 32% 30% 24%
12%
7%
5%
vs. 49% in 2018
47%
32%
28%
19%
vs. 45% in 2018 30% 24%
vs. 36% in 2018 40% 23%
Significantly higher / lower than 2018 (shown in light grey font)
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IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON LEGAL PROBLEMS
Problem was direct result of COVID-19
Partially, problem was made worse by COVID-19
Problem was unrelated to COVID-19
15%
21%
64%
36%of legal problems
were caused or made worse by
COVID-19
Effect of COVID-19 on Legal Problems Experienced
Among those who had a serious problem and did not take action, 15% did not take action because of COVID-19 and services not being available or open.
15%
Among those who had a serious problem and did not seek legal assistance, 6% did not seek legal assistance because legal services were unavailable/closed due to COVID-19.
6%
10%
7%
66%
16%
COVID-19 made the outcome worse
COVID-19 improved the outcome
COVID-19 had no effect on the outcome
Don’t know
Effect of COVID-19 on Problem Outcome(among those who experienced a problem that was resolved)
14%
29%
50%
7%
COVID-19 is main or only reason problem is still unresolved
COVID-19 is one of the reasons problem is still unresolved
COVID-19 has nothing to do with why problem is still unresolved
Don’t know
Effect of COVID-19 on Ability to Resolve Problem(among those who experienced a problem that is unresolved)
Among the 37% of low-income British Columbians who feel their problem would have had a better outcome with more assistance, the majority (57%) feel that increased or better availability of legal services during COVID-19 might have helped.
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Resolution Rate & Fairness of Outcome
10%
54%
64%
11%
Resolved Unresolved
Legal Problem Incidence
51%experienced a consumerproblem in the past 3 years
Action Taken To Resolve Legal Problem:
50%
37%
Took Action
Did Not Take Action
Outcome Satisfaction(among those with a legal problem that was resolved)
52%are satisfied with the outcome
Fair
Unfair
Top Reasons for Not Seeking Legal Assistance(among those who did not seek legal assistance)
Thought it would cost too much 21%
Thought nothing could be done 18%
Thought it would take too much time 15%
1
2
3
24%feel the situation would have worked out better if they had more assistance
(among those who thought they needed more assistance)
Importance of Legal Problem Resolution & Overall Impact
Felt it was important to take care of the legal problem59%
Felt the legal problem was at least somewhat disruptive to their daily life26%
Impact of Having More Assistance Available What Would Have Helped
43% Took care of it on their own5% Sought non-legal assistance2% Sought legal assistance
30% Felt the problem was not serious enough7% Felt the problem was serious
9% Problem was direct result of COVID-1919% Problem was made worse by COVID-19
vs. 43% in 2018
Significantly higher / lower than 2018 (shown in light grey font)
9
vs. 53%
vs. 39%
vs. 71%
vs. 12%
vs. 52%
Among those with Resolved Problems:8% COVID-19 made the outcome worse1% COVID-19 made the outcome better
Among those with Unresolved Problems:
16% COVID-19 is main/only reason still unresolved9% COVID-19 is one of the reasons
vs. 25%
Better availability of legal services during COVID-19
34%
vs. 31%
vs. 22%
vs. 25%
Additional/ better info
61%vs. 52%
Someone to explain legal
aspects/help with forms
52%vs. 48%
Someone to deal with other
party
43%vs. 45%
A lawyer
41%vs. 27%
vs. 29%
vs. 69%
CONSUMER PROBLEMS Examples: Purchasing faulty goods or appliances, receiving incorrect or misleading information, being overcharged for goods and services, etc.
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Resolution Rate & Fairness of Outcome
20%
41%
61%
19%
Resolved Unresolved
Legal Problem Incidence
38%experienced an employment problem in the past 3 years
Action Taken To Resolve Legal Problem:
57%
33%
Took Action
Did Not Take Action
Outcome Satisfaction(among those with a legal problem that was resolved)
40%are satisfied with the outcome
Fair
Unfair
Top Reasons for Not Seeking Legal Assistance(among those who did not seek legal assistance)
Thought nothing could be done 32%
Didn’t know what to do 21%
Thought it would cost too much 20%
1
2
3
41%feel the situation would have worked out better if they had more assistance
(among those who thought they needed more assistance)
Importance of Legal Problem Resolution & Overall Impact
Felt it was important to take care of the legal problem84%
Felt the legal problem was at least somewhat disruptive to their daily life67%
Impact of Having More Assistance Available What Would Have Helped
35% Took care of it on their own15% Sought non-legal assistance7% Sought legal assistance
19% Felt the problem was not serious enough14% Felt the problem was serious
35% Problem was direct result of COVID-1923% Problem was made worse by COVID-19
vs. 32% in 2018
Significantly higher / lower than 2018 (shown in light grey font)
10
vs. 52%
vs. 36%
vs. 61%
vs. 17%
vs. 46%
Among those with Resolved Problems:23% COVID-19 made the outcome worse5% COVID-19 made the outcome better
Among those with Unresolved Problems:
34% COVID-19 is main/only reason still unresolved22% COVID-19 is one of the reasons
vs. 41%
Better availability of legal services during COVID-19
26%
vs. 28%
vs. 20%
vs. 20%
Additional/ better info
48%vs. 62%
Someone to explain legal
aspects/help with forms
47%vs. 58%
Someone to deal with other
party
44%vs. 52%
A lawyer
24%vs. 34%
vs. 69%
vs. 86%
EMPLOYMENT PROBLEMS Examples: Job loss, harassment, bullying or discrimination, difficulty collecting employment benefits or unemployment insurance, etc.
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Resolution Rate & Fairness of Outcome
10%41%
51%33%
Resolved Unresolved
MONEY OR DEBT PROBLEMS Examples: Inability to make payments, personal bankruptcy, collecting a debt, etc.
Legal Problem Incidence
34%experienced a money or debtproblem in the past 3 years
Action Taken To Resolve Legal Problem:
63%
25%
Took Action
Did Not Take Action
Outcome Satisfaction(among those with a legal problem that was resolved)
47%are satisfied with the outcome
Fair
Unfair
Top Reasons for Not Seeking Legal Assistance(among those who did not seek legal assistance)
Thought nothing could be done 29%
Thought it would cost too much 26%
Didn’t know what to do 24%
1
2
3
43%feel the situation would have worked out better if they had more assistance
(among those who thought they needed more assistance)
Importance of Legal Problem Resolution & Overall Impact
Felt it was important to take care of the legal problem88%
Felt the legal problem was at least somewhat disruptive to their daily life72%
Impact of Having More Assistance Available What Would Have Helped
42% Took care of it on their own13% Sought non-legal assistance8% Sought legal assistance
14% Felt the problem was not serious enough11% Felt the problem was serious
27% Problem was direct result of COVID-1930% Problem was made worse by COVID-19
vs. 32% in 2018
Significantly higher / lower than 2018 (shown in light grey font) 11
vs. 73%
vs. 21%
vs. 62%vs. 29%
vs. 65%
Among those with Resolved Problems:20% COVID-19 made the outcome worse6% COVID-19 made the outcome better
Among those with Unresolved Problems:
19% COVID-19 is main/only reason still unresolved37% COVID-19 is one of the reasons
vs. 45%
Better availability of legal services during COVID-19
30%
vs. 22%
vs. 29%
vs. 28%
Additional/ better info
45%vs. 56%
Someone to explain legal
aspects/help with forms
42%vs. 50%
Someone to deal with other
party
40%vs. 56%
A lawyer
29%vs. 29%
vs. 80%
vs. 93%
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Resolution Rate & Fairness of Outcome
23%
38%
61%
22%
Resolved Unresolved
HOUSING OR LAND PROBLEMS Examples: Neighbour problems, zoning or development, landlord-tenant problems, etc.
Legal Problem Incidence
34%experienced a housing or landproblem in the past 3 years
Action Taken To Resolve Legal Problem:
53%
37%
Took Action
Did Not Take Action
Outcome Satisfaction(among those with a legal problem that was resolved)
44%are satisfied with the outcome
Fair
Unfair
Top Reasons for Not Seeking Legal Assistance(among those who did not seek legal assistance)
Thought it would cost too much 21%
Thought it would be too stressful 21%
Thought nothing could be done 20%
1
2
3
31%feel the situation would have worked out better if they had more assistance
(among those who thought they needed more assistance)
Importance of Legal Problem Resolution & Overall Impact
Felt it was important to take care of the legal problem78%
Felt the legal problem was at least somewhat disruptive to their daily life67%
Impact of Having More Assistance Available What Would Have Helped
30% Took care of it on their own14% Sought non-legal assistance9% Sought legal assistance
21% Felt the problem was not serious enough16% Felt the problem was serious
12% Problem was direct result of COVID-1913% Problem was made worse by COVID-19
vs. 30% in 2018
Significantly higher / lower than 2018 (shown in light grey font)
12
vs. 53%
vs. 35%
vs. 60%
vs. 25%
vs. 43%
Among those with Resolved Problems:3% COVID-19 made the outcome worse2% COVID-19 made the outcome better
Among those with Unresolved Problems:
2% COVID-19 is main/only reason still unresolved19% COVID-19 is one of the reasons
vs. 37%
Better availability of legal services during COVID-19
22%
vs. 26%
vs. 17%
vs. 24%
Additional/ better info
56%vs. 74%
Someone to explain legal
aspects/help with forms
35%vs. 68%
Someone to deal with other
party
41%vs. 46%
A lawyer
27%vs. 55%
vs. 70%
vs. 88%
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Resolution Rate & Fairness of Outcome
26%23%
49%24%
Resolved Unresolved
DISCRIMINATION PROBLEMS Examples: Problems on the basis of race, gender, age, ability, etc.
Legal Problem Incidence
33%experienced a discriminationproblem in the past 3 years
Action Taken To Resolve Legal Problem:
33%
52%
Took Action
Did Not Take Action
Outcome Satisfaction(among those with a legal problem that was resolved)
19%are satisfied with the outcome
Fair
Unfair
Top Reasons for Not Seeking Legal Assistance(among those who did not seek legal assistance)
Thought nothing could be done 33%
Thought it would be too stressful 30%
Was uncertain of my rights 23%
1
2
3
37%feel the situation would have worked out better if they had more assistance
(among those who thought they needed more assistance)
Importance of Legal Problem Resolution & Overall Impact
Felt it was important to take care of the legal problem59%
Felt the legal problem was at least somewhat disruptive to their daily life55%
Impact of Having More Assistance Available What Would Have Helped
24% Took care of it on their own6% Sought non-legal assistance3% Sought legal assistance
30% Felt the problem was not serious enough22% Felt the problem was serious
10% Problem was direct result of COVID-1919% Problem was made worse by COVID-19
vs. 24% in 2018
Significantly higher / lower than 2018 (shown in light grey font)
13
vs. 39%
vs. 54%
vs. 51%
vs. 28%
vs. 27%
Among those with Resolved Problems:10% COVID-19 made the outcome worse1% COVID-19 made the outcome better
Among those with Unresolved Problems:
6% COVID-19 is main/only reason still unresolved16% COVID-19 is one of the reasons
vs. 54%
Better availability of legal services during COVID-19
38%
vs. 35%
vs. 29%
vs. 22%
Additional/ better info
54%vs. 76%
Someone to explain legal
aspects/help with forms
57%vs. 66%
Someone to deal with other
party
40%vs. 61%
A lawyer
38%vs. 42%
vs. 57%
vs. 67%
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Detailed Findings
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Legal Problems Experienced
DETAILED FINDINGS
15
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Consumer
Employment
Money or debt
Housing or land
Personal injury
Discrimination
Family relationship
LEGAL PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED IN THE PAST 3 YEARSCompared to 2018, the incidence of legal problems has increased both in terms of the percentage of low-income British Columbians experiencing them, as well as the number of problems they encounter.
Specifically, 83% of low-income British Columbians experienced at least one of the 13 legal problem types in the past 3 years, up from 76% in 2018. And 56% experienced 4+ different types, up from 50% in 2018.
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Base: Total respondents – 2020 (1,207); 2018 (1,204)Q1. People can experience many different problems in their day-to-day lives. Some are relatively minor, while others are more serious and difficult to resolve. Please read the description of each type of problem, and then indicate the approximate number of times, if any, in the past 3 years you have experienced a problem in that category that was serious and difficult to resolve.
Experienced 1 type of legal problem in the past 3 years
Experienced 2 or 3 types of legal problems
Experienced 4 or more types of legal problems
Have not experienced any legal problems in the past 3 years
25%17%
50%56%
16% 16%
10% 11%
Number of Legal Problems Experienced in the Past 3 Years
2018 2020
83% experienced at least 1 of the 13 legal problem types in the past 3 years (vs. 76% in 2018)
Welfare or social assistance
Wills and powers of attorney
Hospital treatment or release
Police incidents
Legal action
Immigration
Average # of types of legal problems experienced: 7 (vs. 6 in 2018)
Significantly higher / lower than 2018
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1 time 12% 13% 9% 14% 13% 15% 8% 8% 6% 8% 4% 9%2-3 times 7% 8% 5% 7% 4% 5% 3% 7% 1% 6% 1% 5%4+ times 2% 3% 2% 2% 1% 1% 1% 2% 0% 1% 0% 1%
1 time 17% 22% 18% 21% 13% 15% 16% 16% 9% 14% 18% 18% 15% 17%2-3 times 18% 21% 10% 14% 10% 12% 9% 14% 8% 11% 7% 10% 6% 8%4+ times 8% 9% 4% 4% 9% 8% 5% 4% 7% 8% 3% 3% 2% 3%
TYPES OF LEGAL PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED IN THE PAST 3 YEARSThe percentage of low-income British Columbians experiencing each type of legal problem has either held steady or increased since 2018. Of note, the incidence of legal action problems has doubled, and the incidence of immigration problems has tripled since two years ago.
Base: Total respondents – 2020 (1,207); 2018 (1,204)Note: % “don’t know” responses not shown. Q1. People can experience many different problems in their day-to-day lives. Some are relatively minor, while others are more serious and difficult to resolve. Please read the description of each type of problem, and then indicate the approximate number of times, if any, in the past 3 years you have experienced a problem in that category that was serious and difficult to resolve.
43% 51% 32% 38% 32% 34% 30% 34% 24% 33% 28% 31% 23% 27%
2018 2020 2018 2020 2018 2020 2018 2020 2018 2020 2018 2020 2018 2020
% Experiencing Legal Problem in Past 3 Years
Consumer Employment Money or debt Housing or land Discrimination Personal injury Family relationship
Welfare or social assistance
Hospital treatment or release
Wills and powers of attorney Police incidents Legal action Immigration
21% 23% 16% 22% 18% 21% 12% 17% 7% 16% 5% 15%
2018 2020 2018 2020 2018 2020 2018 2020 2018 2020 2018 2020 2018 2020
Significantly higher / lower than 2018
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THE EFFECT OF COVID-19 ON INCIDENCE OF LEGAL PROBLEMSJust over one-third of the legal problems experienced by low-income British Columbians were directly caused by COVID-19 (15%) or made worse by COVID-19 (21%). Regionally, the pandemic had the most impact on Metro Vancouver/Fraser Valley residents and the least impact on those residing in the North. Compared to their counterparts, younger residents (18-34) and men were more likely to have experienced legal problems that were affected by the pandemic.
Base: Total responses – 2020 (3,861)Results presented are based on the total number of responses not respondents (i.e. each problem experienced by a respondent is considered one unique response).Q1x. Thinking of the last time you experienced each of the following problem types, were any of them a result of the COVID-19 pandemic?
Problem was direct result of COVID-19
Partially, problem was made worse by COVID-19
Problem was unrelated to COVID-19
Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Legal Problems Experienced
64%
21%
15%
2020
By Demographic Subgroup
16%
15%
15%
9%
21%
12%
6%
17%
13%
26%
14%
13%
10%
28%
17%
8%
26%
16%
42%
29%
28%
19%
49%
29%
14%
43%
29%
Region
Metro Vancouver / Fraser Valley (2,410)
Island (667)
Interior (544)
North (240)
Age
18-34 (1,485)
35-54 (1,225)
55+ (1,151)
Gender
Male (1,532)
Female (2,273)
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THE EFFECT OF COVID-19 ON EACH LEGAL PROBLEM TYPE
Employment and money/debt problems were the most negatively affected by COVID-19, with 35% and 27% of problems, respectively, being a direct result of COVID-19.
Base: Those experiencing each legal problem.Q1x. Thinking of the last time you experienced each of the following problem types, were any of them a result of the COVID-19 pandemic?
Employment Money or debt Immigration Welfare or social assistanceHospital treatment or
release Legal action Family relationship
Discrimination Consumer Wills and powers of attorney Police incidents Housing or land Personal injury
23% 30% 29% 24% 23% 24% 23%
35% 27% 20% 23% 16% 9% 10%
58% 57%49% 47%
39% 33% 33%
% of Problems Caused by or Made Worse by COVID-19 Pandemic
Base (2020) 399 381 137 237 224 152 297
Base(2020) 347 574 241 162 370 340
19% 19% 16% 16% 13% 16%10% 9% 11% 9% 12%
29% 28% 27% 25% 25% 19%
0%
Problem was direct result of COVID-19
Partially, problem was made worse by COVID-19
19
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Responding to Legal Problems
DETAILED FINDINGS
20
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TAKING ACTION TO RESOLVE THE LEGAL PROBLEM
Consistent with 2018, three-in-ten report resolving their legal problem on their own while one-quarter sought legal or non-legal assistance. This leaves one-third who did not take any action to resolve the issue.
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Base: Total responses – 2020 (2,775); 2018 (2,705)Results presented are based on the total number of responses not respondents (i.e. each problem experienced by a respondent is considered one unique response).Q2. How did you respond to each of the serious and difficult to resolve problems you experienced over the past 3 years? Please select the one best response for each problem.
Sought legal assistance
Sought non-legal assistance
Took care of it on their own
Took no action – not serious
Took no action, but serious
Don’t know
10% 13%11% 12%
22%21%
30% 29%
13% 13%
14% 12%
Response to Problems Experienced
2018 2020
57% tookaction
54% tookaction
33% took noaction
33% took noaction
Older individuals (55+) are more likely to seek legal assistance, while younger individuals (18-34) are more likely to seek non-legal assistance.
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Base: Those experiencing each legal problem.Note: % “don’t know” responses not shown. *Denotes where % don’t know responses changed significantly since 2018.Q2. How did you respond to each of the serious and difficult to resolve problems you experienced over the past 3 years? Please select the one best response for each problem.
2018(58)
2020(136)
2018(226)
2020(217)
2018(226)
2020(271)
2018(91)
2020(150)
2018(171)
2020(201)
2018(253)
2020(301)
39%
9%
39%
8% 8% 8% 11% 6% 12% 8% 11%27%
12% 14% 9% 8% 9% 7% 14%21%
9% 14% 7%27% 23%
12%
11%
10%
14%
10%19% 13% 13% 14% 16%
18% 22% 16%
20%
10% 14% 13% 10%27%
15%19% 13% 22% 19% 21%
11%
20%
9% 24%
22% 22%
46%42% 37%
32%
23%
33%34% 35%
25% 22%22%
22%
72%
19%
75%
13%
73%
21%
63%
25%
59%
30%
62%
27%
70%
22%
61%
22%
52%
36%
57%
33%
59%
31%
55%
28%
60%
25%
54%
36%
21% 20% 12% 9% 11% 9% 16% 5%20% 22%
31%8%
21% 12% 18% 8% 13% 5% 7%
17%32%
14% 26%16%
24%14%
21%
10%
34%
6%
30% 13%
17%14%
20%
11%
25%
16%21%
4%
34%
5%
30%
17% 19% 28% 30%24%
24%
23%
15%
29%26%
47% 43%
55%
34%
53%
38%
53%
35%
53%
37% 39%
54%
33%
52%
67%
25%
50%
32%44%43%
50%
34%
53%39%
50%37%
TAKING ACTION TO RESOLVE THE LEGAL PROBLEM BY PROBLEM TYPEOverall, low-income British Columbians continue to respond similarly to their legal problems as in 2018. Exceptions are: money/debt problems – fewer report taking action compared to 2018, family relationship problems – more are taking care of it on their own and fewer are seeking legal or non-legal assistance, police incidents -more likely are reporting not taking action to resolve the problem, and finally, legal action problems – fewer are taking action compared to 2018.
Wills and powers of attorney Money or debt*
Welfare or social assistance Family relationship* Employment Personal injury* Police incidents
Immigration Housing or land Discrimination* Legal action* Hospital treatment or release Consumer
Response to Problems Experienced
2018(222)
2020(185)
2018(199)
2020(234)
2018(216)
2020(228)
2018(239)
2020(241)
2018(195)
2020(209)
2018(255)
2020(241)
2018(118)
2020(161)
Total % took action Took care of it on their own Sought non-legal assistance Sought legal assistance
Total % took no action Took no action – not serious Took no action, but serious
Significantly higher / lower than 2018
22
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REASONS FOR NOT TAKING ACTION – EVEN THOUGH IT WAS SERIOUS
Although they are cited less frequently than in 2018, the top three reasons for not taking action to resolve a serious legal problem remain the same: not knowing what to do, believing it would be too stressful and thinking nothing could be done.
*Caution small base size (n
-
The number one reason that low-income British Columbians did not seek legal assistance for their problem is the belief that nothing could be done. This is followed by the cost of legal services, not knowing what to do and thinking it would be too stressful, which are all mentioned less frequently than in 2018.
Base: Experienced a serious problem but didn’t seek legal assistance – 2020 (2,052); 2018 (1,830).Results presented are based on the total number of responses not respondents (i.e. each problem experienced by a respondent is considered one unique response).Q4. Which of the following reasons, if any, describes why you decided to not seek legal assistance for your problem(s)?
Thought nothing could be done
Thought it would cost too much
Didn’t know what to do
Thought it would be too stressful
Was uncertain of my rights
Thought it would take too much time
Thought it would damage my relationship with the other party
Was too afraid to take action
Thought the other party was right
Legal services unavailable / closed because of COVID-19
Other
Don’t know
Reasons for Not Seeking Legal Advice Top Reasons for Not Seeking Legal Advice by Problem Type (2020)
Discrimination Thought nothing could be done (33%)
Employment Thought nothing could be done (32%)
Money or debt Thought nothing could be done (29%)
Welfare or social assistance Thought nothing could be done (29%)
Police incidents Thought nothing could be done (27%)
Wills and powers of attorney Thought it would cost too much (37%)
Consumer Thought it would cost too much (21%)
Housing or landThought it would cost too much (21%)Thought it would be too stressful (21%)
Legal actionThought it would cost too much (21%)Was too afraid to take action (21%)
Hospital treatment or release Didn’t know what to do (25%)
Family relationship Thought it would be too stressful (23%)
Personal injury Thought it would be too stressful (22%)
Immigration Thought it would take too much time (25%)
24%
21%
19%
19%
16%
16%
9%
9%
6%
6%
10%
15%
24%
27%
23%
22%
18%
17%
11%
10%
6%
9%
13%
2020 2018
REASONS FOR NOT SEEKING LEGAL ASSISTANCE – EVEN THOUGH IT WAS SERIOUS
14% Hospital treatment or release13% Welfare or social assistance11% Immigration11% Legal action9% Wills and powers of attorney
Problem Types Most Affected by COVID-19
n/a
Significantly higher / lower than 2018
24
-
Non-Legal AssistanceDETAILED FINDINGS
25
-
SOURCES TURNED TO FOR NON-LEGAL ASSISTANCE
Friends and relatives remain the main source of non-legal assistance for low-income British Columbians, although it is down slightly from two years ago (51% vs. 59% in 2018).
On the other hand, low-income British Columbians are now twice as likely to report turning to unions for non-legal assistance (9% did, up from 4% in 2018).
Note: % “don’t know” and “other” responses not shown. Base: Experienced a problem and sought non-legal assistance – 2020 (350); 2018 (310). Results presented are based on the total number of responses not respondents (i.e. each problem experienced by a respondent is considered one unique response).Q5. Which of the following, if any, did you turn to for non-legal assistance to help you solve your problem(s)? Please select as many as apply for each problem
Friends or relatives
Internet / online resources
Counselors
Doctors
Government offices
Support groups
Police
Unions
Books / magazines
Other organizations
Courthouse library
Sources of Non-Legal Assistance Used
51%
38%
23%
23%
15%
14%
9%
9%
7%
6%
6%
59%
37%
23%
21%
20%
10%
12%
4%
10%
9% 2020 2018
Significantly higher / lower than 2018
Younger low-income British Columbians (18 to 34) are more likely to reach out to friends or relatives for help (57% vs. 44% among those 35+).
Men are more likely than women to seek assistance from unions (14% vs. 5%) and police (13% vs. 6%).
n/a
26
-
The majority of low-income British Columbians feel they received the non-legal assistance they were seeking from the sources they used.
The most effective sources are counselors, friends/relatives, doctors and government offices.
Compared to 2018, internet, unions, and other organizations earn lower ratings.
*Caution: small base size (n
-
SATISFACTION WITH NON-LEGAL ASSISTANCE
Overall, 57% of low-income British Columbians who received non-legal assistance are satisfied with the help they received. This has edged up slightly from 51% two years ago.
28
Base: Experienced a problem and sought non-legal assistance – 2020 (451); 2018 (310). Results presented are based on the total number of responses not respondents (i.e. each problem experienced by a respondent is considered one unique response). Q7. Overall, how satisfied were you with the non-legal assistance you received to help solve your problem(s)?
Very satisfied
Satisfied
Somewhat satisfied / somewhat dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Very dissatisfied
Don’t know
7% 4%7%
3%
7%8%
28%27%
35%37%
16% 20%
Satisfaction with Non-Legal Assistance Received
2018 2020
51% are satisfied
57% are satisfied
Men report higher satisfaction with the non-legal assistance they received (68% vs. 49% among women).
Significantly higher / lower than 2018
-
Legal AssistanceDETAILED FINDINGS
29
-
In line with 2018, half of low-income British Columbians who sought legal assistance turned to a lawyer and one-quarter went online. The remaining legal sources were used by broadly one-in-ten.
Compared to two years ago, fewer residents report going to Legal Aid BC for legal assistance.
Note: % “don’t know” and “other” responses not shown. Base: Experienced a problem and sought legal assistance – 2020 (334); 2018: (394).Results presented are based on the total number of responses not respondents (i.e. each problem experienced by a respondent is considered one unique response). Q8. Which of the following, if any, did you turn to for legal assistance to help you solve your problem(s)?
Lawyer
Internet / online resources
Legal Aid BC
Government offices
Telephone advice line
Community advocate or agency
Self-help centre
Legal clinic
Books / magazines
Mediator
Sources of Legal Assistance Used
52%
25%
13%
13%
13%
11%
11%
9%
7%
6%
56%
21%
19%
12%
9%
10%
8%
8%
7%
6%
2020 2018
SOURCES TURNED TO FOR LEGAL ASSISTANCE
Significantly higher / lower than 2018
Older individuals (55+) are much less likely to go online for legal assistance (11% vs. 31% of those younger than 55).
Meanwhile, those 18-34 are much more likely to turn to self-help centres than their older counterparts (19% vs. 6% among those 35 and older).
Island residents are less included to seek legal assistance from government offices (0% compared to 9-16% in other regions).
Women are more apt to approach a lawyer to help resolve their problem than men (59% vs. 47%). Conversely, men are twice as likely as women to go to a self-help centre (15% vs. 8%) or a legal clinic (12% vs. 6%).
30
-
Self-help centres and lawyers are reported as being the most effective at providing the assistance sought, followed by telephone advice lines and government offices.
Low-income British Columbians found the internet and online resources less effective at providing legal assistance this year.
*Caution: small base size (n
-
On par with 2018, six-in-ten low income British Columbians are satisfied with the legal assistance they received. Slightly more residents give top marks this year (30% vs. 24% two years ago).
32
Base: Experienced a problem and sought legal assistance – 2020 (335); 2018 (394). Results presented are based on the total number of responses not respondents (i.e. each problem experienced by a respondent is considered one unique response). Q10. Overall, how satisfied were you with the legal assistance you received to help solve your problem(s)?
Very satisfied
Satisfied
Somewhat satisfied / somewhat dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Very dissatisfied
Don’t know
7% 4%6% 5%
6% 9%
22% 21%
35%32%
24% 30%
Satisfaction with Legal Assistance Received
2018 2020
59% are satisfied
62% are satisfied
SATISFACTION WITH LEGAL ASSISTANCE
Those older than 55 are especially likely to give top marks to the legal assistance they received (42% are verysatisfied vs. 25% among those younger than 55).
Significantly higher / lower than 2018
-
Legal Problem OutcomesDETAILED FINDINGS
33
-
16% 20%
20%20%
15%18%
49% 42%
PERCEIVED FAIRNESS OF LEGAL PROBLEM OUTCOME
Low-income British Columbians have somewhat less positive perceptions about the outcome of their legal problem this year, with fewer describing the outcome as fair and more describing the outcome as unfair.
34
Base: Total responses – 2020 (2,775); 2018 (2,469).Results presented are based on the total number of responses not respondents (i.e. each problem experienced by a respondent is considered one unique response). Q11. Overall, how would you describe the outcome of the problem(s) you experienced in the past 3 years?
Fair
Unfair
Still unresolved
Don’t know
Outcome of Legal Problem
2018 2020
49% describe the
outcome as fair
Resolved
64% are resolved
42% describe the
outcome as fair
60% are resolved
Half of those older than 55 feel the outcome of their problem was fair, compared to 40% among those younger than 55.
Significantly higher / lower than 2018
-
18% 20% 16% 23% 14% 22% 14% 14% 5% 10%20% 26%
43%
17%
41%
19%
44%
25%
38%
22%
58%
10%
38%
20%
47%
24%
40%
28%
57%
29%
41%
33%
31%
28%
23%
24%
61%
17%
61%
19%
60%
25%
61%
22%
72%
10%
60%
20%
61%
24%
54%
28%
62%
29%
51%
33%
51%
28%
49%
24%
17% 21% 9% 11%19% 16% 19% 10% 16%
20% 15%28%
11% 12%
48%
11%
46%
17%
63%
17%
55%
13%
48%
14%
49%
16%
52%
12%
54%
11%
49%
20%
44%
21%
48%
24%
34%
18%
55%
17%
49%
13%
65%
11%
67%
17%
72%
17%
66%
13%
67%
14%
65%
16%
71%
12%
64%
11%
65%
20%
64%
21%
63%
24%
62%
18%
66%
17%
61%
13%
PERCEIVED FAIRNESS OF LEGAL PROBLEM OUTCOME BY PROBLEM TYPEProblems are resolved at least 60% of the time across all problem types except for family relationship, money/debt and discrimination.
The following differences can be noted compared to 2018: police incidents are twice as likely to be reported as unresolved, and the outcomes of legal action, money/debt and discrimination problems are perceived as less favourable (i.e. less fair and/or more unfair).
Base: Those experiencing each legal problem.Note: % “don’t know” responses not shown. *Denotes where % don’t know responses changed significantly since 2018.Q11. Overall, how would you describe the outcome of the problem(s) you experienced in the past 3 years?
Immigration Wills and powers of attorney*Hospital treatment or
release Consumer*Welfare or social
assistance Legal action Personal injury*
Employment Housing or land Police incidents Family relationship Money or debt* Discrimination
Outcome of Legal Problem
Total % resolved Fair Unfair
Total % unresolved Unresolved
2018(195)
2020(209)
2018(226)
2020(217)
2018(118)
2020(161)
2018(239)
2020(241)
2018(199)
2020(234)
2018(226)
2020(271)
2018(58)
2020(136)
2018(222)
2020(185)
2018(171)
2020(201)
2018(253)
2020(301)
2018(216)
2020(228)
2018(91)
2020(150)
2018(255)
2020(241)
Significantly higher / lower than 2018
35
-
59%
57%
52%
49%
48%
48%
48%
47%
45%
45%
44%
40%
19%
SATISFACTION WITH OUTCOME OF THE LEGAL PROBLEM
Slightly less than half of low-income British Columbians (46%) are satisfied with the outcome of their legal problem, down slightly from 51% in 2018. Personal injury and money/debt problems are the two areas where satisfaction with problem outcomes fell the most.
36
Base: Experienced a problem that was resolved – 2020 (2,249); 2018 (1,986).Results presented are based on the total number of responses not respondents (i.e. each problem experienced by a respondent is considered one unique response). Q12. Overall, how satisfied are you with the outcome(s) of the problem(s) you experienced in the past 3 years?
Very satisfied
Satisfied
Somewhat satisfied / somewhat dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Very dissatisfied
Don’t know
11% 15%6%
7%8%9%
24%23%
32% 28%
19% 18%
Satisfaction with Outcome of Legal Problem
2018 2020
Immigration (115)
Wills and powers of attorney (159)
Consumer (269)
Hospital treatment or release (169)
Personal injury (212)
Family relationship (178)
Legal action (122)
Money or debt (161)
Welfare or social assistance (186)
Police incidents (130)
Housing or land (167)
Employment (172)
Discrimination (209)
% Satisfied by Problem Type (2020)2018
56%
65%
52%
46%
59%
49%
47%
65%
54%
52%
43%
46%
27%
Significantly higher / lower than 2018
51%are satisfied
46% are satisfied
-
THE EFFECT OF COVID-19 ON OUTCOME OF THE LEGAL PROBLEMTwo-thirds of low-income British Columbians report that COVID-19 did not affect the outcome of their legal problem, and nearly equal proportions report that the pandemic made the outcome worse (10%) or better (7%). Employment and money/debt problems were the most negatively affected by COVID-19. Meanwhile, COVID-19 had a more positive than negative impact when it comes to legal action problems, immigration problems and police incidents.
37
Base: Experienced a problem that was resolved – 2020 (2,187)Results presented are based on the total number of responses not respondents (i.e. each problem experienced by a respondent is considered one unique response).Q12b. Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the outcome of your problem?
COVID-19 made the outcome worse
COVID-19 improvedthe outcome
COVID-19 had no effect on the outcome
Don’t know
16%
66%
7%
10%
Effect of COVID-19 on Problem Outcome
2020
23%
20%
14%
13%
11%
10%
9%
8%
8%
8%
5%
4%
3%
5%
6%
14%
7%
17%
22%
6%
15%
58%
64%
52%
63%
53%
67%
49%
79%
77%
69%
63%
81%
82%
14%
10%
20%
17%
18%
22%
20%
13%
14%
18%
18%
13%
12%
Employment (168)
Money or debt (156)
Welfare or social assistance (182)
Hospital treatment or release (165)
Immigration (114)
Discrimination (202)
Legal action (118)
Wills and powers of attorney (152)
Consumer (260)
Family relationship (176)
Police incidents (125)
Personal injury (207)
Housing or land (162)
By Problem Type
-
HOW COVID-19 MADE LEGAL PROBLEM WORSEAccording to low-income British Columbians who experienced a problem where the outcome was negatively affected by COVID-19, the main reasons were because it affected their employment or finances (because they lost their job, had their hours reduced or had trouble finding a job) or hindered their ability to access resources or medical assistance (services were closed / delayed / had limited hours).
38Note: only major mentions are shown.Q12bb. Please explain how COVID-19 made the outcome of your [INSERT PROBLEM] worse.
Ways that COVID-19 made the Outcome of Legal Problems Worse 2020
Base: Experienced a problem where COVID-19 made it worse (138)
Laid off / fired / lost job / no income 20%
Couldn’t access help / resources (e.g. no one answering phones / emails) 14%
Couldn’t get medical attention (doctor’s office / hospitals / treatments / therapists) 10%
Reduced hours at work / less income 8%
Experienced racism / discrimination 8%
Delays / took longer to get help 7%
Difficulty seeking employment / finding a job 7%
Offices / stores were closed / limited hours 7%
Anxiety / stress / negative affect on mental health 5%
Couldn’t see family / friends 5%
Strained relationships due to close contact / no alone time 5%
Financial / economic difficulty (general) 4%
-
THE EFFECT OF COVID-19 ON ABILITY TO RESOLVE THE LEGAL PROBLEMFor low-income British Columbians who have a problem that is still currently unresolved, 14% report that COVID-19 is the primary reason, and another 29% report that it is one of the reasons that it is not yet resolved.
COVID-19 is seen as the main or only reason that one-third of immigration and employment problems are unresolved.
39
Base: Experienced a problem that is unresolved – 2020 (526)Results presented are based on the total number of responses not respondents (i.e. each problem experienced by a respondent is considered one unique response).Q12c. Is the COVID-19 pandemic the reason your problem is still unresolved?
COVID-19 is main or only reasonproblem is still unresolved
COVID-19 is one of the reasons problem is still unresolved
COVID-19 has nothing to do with why problem is still unresolved
Don’t know 7%
50%
29%
14%
Effect of COVID-19 on Ability to Resolve Problem
2020
32%
22%
10%
34%
19%
8%
13%
12%
12%
5%
16%
6%
38%
41%
47%
22%
37%
43%
31%
29%
21%
27%
9%
16%
19%
24%
33%
28%
45%
35%
46%
53%
46%
67%
65%
67%
60%
76%
6%
4%
14%
9%
3%
3%
13%
3%
9%
19%
3%
By Problem Type
Immigration (21)
Welfare or social assistance (42)
Legal action (28)
Employment (37)
Money or debt (73)
Personal injury (29)
Hospital treatment or release (32)
Police incidents (31)
Wills and powers of attorney (26)
Family relationship (63)
Consumer (32)
Discrimination (62)
Housing or land (50)
-
PERCEIVED OUTCOME OF THE LEGAL PROBLEM WITH MORE ASSISTANCE AVAILABLEThis year, low-income British Columbians who did not seek legal assistance for their problem are less certain that their situation would have worked out better if they had had more assistance. By problem type, those who had a welfare/social assistance problem are most likely to feel that more assistance would have helped (49%). Compared to 2018, fewer individuals who experienced a discrimination problem feel that more assistance would have improved their outcome.
40
Base: Experienced a problem that was resolved but didn’t use legal assistance – 2020 (1,989); 2018 (1,671). Results presented are based on the total number of responses not respondents (i.e. each problem experienced by a respondent is considered one unique response). Q13. Overall, looking back on the outcome of the following problem(s) you faced, do you feel the situation might have worked out better if you had more assistance?
Yes
No
Don’t know
Situation Would have Worked Out Better if had More Assistance
24% 28%
34%35%
42% 37%
2018 2020
% Yes by Problem Type (2020)
49%
46%
43%
41%
41%
40%
39%
37%
37%
34%
31%
26%
24%
Welfare or social assistance (173)
Immigration (96)
Money or debt (145)
Hospital treatment or release (158)
Employment (158)
Legal action (95)
Police incidents (103)
Family relationship (156)
Discrimination (201)
Personal injury (191)
Housing or land (152)
Wills and powers of attorney (96)
Consumer (265)
2018
53%
58%
45%
48%
41%
39%
37%
47%
54%
38%
37%
33%
25%
Significantly higher / lower than 2018
-
90% 84% 84% 79% 87% 78% 71% 71% 57%
4% 5% 4% 4% 7% 9%3%3% 7% 4%8%
10% 11% 14% 9%16%
18% 18%33%
23%29% 30%
31%
26%26%
26% 34%24%
67%55% 54% 48% 61%
52% 45%37% 33%
2018 2020 2018 2020 2018 2020 2018 2020 2018 2020
PERCEIVED IMPACT OF VARIOUS TYPES OF ASSISTANCECompared to 2018, low-income British Columbians are somewhat less likely to feel that each of the types of assistance would have helped them achieve a better income, although the majority continue to feel that they might have helped.
Six-in-ten report that increased availability of legal services during COVID-19 may have helped, including one-third who said it definitely would have helped.
41
Base: Think their problem would have had a better outcome with more assistance – 2020 (685); 2018 (629). Results presented are based on the total number of responses not respondents (i.e. each problem experienced by a respondent is considered one unique response).. Q14. Do you think that any of the following types of assistance would have helped you to achieve a better outcome for the problem that you experienced?
Total % Yes / Maybe
Yes
Maybe
No, would have made no difference
No, would make things worse
Don’t know
Additional or better information
Someone to deal with or intervene
with the other party
Someone to explain the legal aspects to you /
help with forms or documents
A lawyer
Increased / better availability of legal
services during COVID-19
Whether other Types of Assistance Would Have Helped Achieve a Better Outcome
n/a
Significantly higher / lower than 2018
-
Impact of Legal ProblemsDETAILED FINDINGS
42
-
IMPACT OF LEGAL PROBLEMS ON DAILY LIFE
The majority of low-income British Columbians (56%) felt their legal problem was disruptive to their daily life when it was at its worst – but this is slightly lower than two years ago (62%). Further, the proportion rating their problem as extremely disruptive is down this year (from 20% to 16% currently).
43
Base: Total responses – 2020 (2,775); 2018 (2,470). Results presented are based on the total number of responses not respondents (i.e. each problem experienced by a respondent is considered one unique response). Q15. Thinking about the problem(s) you experienced within the past 3 years, when it was at its worst, would you say it was generally disruptive or not disruptive to your daily life?
Not at all disruptive
Not very disruptive
Somewhat disruptive
Very disruptive
Extremely disruptive
Don’t know
8% 11%
20% 16%
17% 15%
25% 25%
16% 17%
13% 15%
Impact of Legal Problem when at its Worst
2018 2020
62% found their legal problem disruptive to daily life
56% found their legal problem disruptive to daily life
Legal problems tend to be less disruptive for older British Columbians. Half of low-income residents 55 and older felt their problem was disruptive to their daily life, compared to nearly 60% of those younger than 55.
Significantly higher / lower than 2018
-
IMPORTANCE OF TAKING CARE OF LEGAL PROBLEMS EXPERIENCEDThis year, low-income British Columbians are somewhat less likely to report that it was important to take care of their problems. Specifically, three-quarters felt it was important to take care of their legal problem when it was at its worst, including 29% reporting it was extremely important (down from 80% and 38% in 2018, respectively).
44
Base: Total responses – 2020 (2,775); 2018 (2,469). Results presented are based on the total number of responses not respondents (i.e. each problem experienced by a respondent is considered one unique response). Q16. Thinking again about your problem(s), when it was at its worst, how important was it to you to take care of the problem(s) so that it was no longer an issue for you?
Extremely important
Very important
Somewhat important
Not very important
Not at all important
Don’t know
7% 11%4%
7%9%9%
17%
21%
25%
24%
38%29%
Perceived Importance of Resolving Legal Problem(s) Experienced
2018 2020
80% felt it was important to take care of the legal problem when it was at its worst
74% felt it was important to take care of the legal problem when it was at its worst
Low-income British Columbians who are most likely to feel it was extremely important to take care of their legal problems include: those living in the North (39%) and Interior (34%) and families with children (35%).
Significantly higher / lower than 2018
-
EXPERIENCED ISSUES AS A RESULT OF THE LEGAL PROBLEM
Broadly in line with 2018, low-income British Columbians are most likely to experience emotional and financial health issues as a result of their legal problem, followed by physical health and employment issues.
Base: Total responses – 2020 (2,775); 2018 (2,469). Results presented are based on the total number of responses not respondents (i.e. each problem experienced by a respondent is considered one unique response). Q17. Which of the following, if any, did you experience as a result of the problem you encountered in the past 3 years?
Emotional health issues
Financial health issues
Physical health issues
Employment issues Safety / security / violence issues
Drug or alcohol consumption issues
Children issues
45% 43% 31% 29% 21% 16% 13%
% Experiencing the Issue as a Result of their Legal Problem(s)
2020
2018 49% 47% 32% 28% 19% 14% 11%
> Family relationship (67%)
> Hospital treatment or release (56%)
> Welfare or social assistance (51%)
> Money or debt (52%)> Discrimination (49%)> Employment (49%)
> Money or debt (75%)> Welfare or social
assistance (68%)> Employment (59%)> Legal action (53%)> Family relationship
(52%)
> Personal injury (60%)> Hospital treatment or
release (51%)> Family relationship
(38%)> Welfare or social
assistance (38%)
> Employment (61%)> Welfare or social
assistance (42%)> Immigration (37%)
> Police incidents (39%)> Immigration (35%)> Legal action (33%)> Family relationship
(29%)
> Police incidents (32%)> Immigration (28%)> Legal action (28%)> Family relationship
(26%)> Hospital treatment or
release (25%)> Welfare or social
assistance (21%)
> Family relationship (30%)
> Immigration (29%)> Police incidents
(26%)> Legal action (24%)
Types of legal problems that are most likely to result in experiencing each issue (2020)
45
Significantly higher / lower than 2018
-
Justice System Perceptions
DETAILED FINDINGS
46
-
PERCEPTIONS OF FAIRNESS AND CONFIDENCE IN THE JUSTICE SYSTEM
Compared to two years ago, low-income British Columbians are slightly more likely to agree that the Canadian laws and justice system are essentially fair and that the justice system in BC is effective at resolving legal problems.
47Base: Total respondents – 2020 (1,207); 2018 (1,204).Q18. Do you agree or disagree with the following statements?
7% 9%9% 9%
15% 12%
23% 22%
34% 37%
11% 12%
2018 2020
The laws and justice system in Canadian society are essentially fair
Strongly agree
Somewhat agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Somewhat disagree
Strongly disagree
Don’t know11% 13%9% 8%
14% 13%
29% 24%
26% 31%
10% 11%
2018 2020
The justice system in British Columbia iseffective at resolving legal problems
Agree 45% 49% 36% 42%
Disagree 24% 21% 23% 21%
Neutral/Unsure 30% 31% 40% 37%
Interior residents are less likely than their counterparts to agree that the laws and justice system in Canada are fair. They are also least likely to agree – along with residents of the North – that the BC justice system is effective.
Residents younger than 35 are most likely to agree that the justice system in BC is effective (47% vs. 38% among those over 35%).
Compared to men, women are less likely to agree with both points-of-view.
Agreement tends to increase with level of education (i.e. residents who attended university are most likely to agree).
Significantly higher / lower than 2018
-
Respondent ProfileDETAILED FINDINGS
48
-
RESPONDENT PROFILE
49
Experienced at least one Legal Problem (2020)
Total 2018 Total 2020 Yes NoBase (1,204) (1,207) (974) (233)
GenderMale 43% 42% 43% 40%Female 57% 57% 56% 60%Other 0% 1% 1% 0%Age18 to 24 11% 15% 16% 8%25 to 34 22% 22% 24% 10%35 to 44 15% 15% 15% 14%45 to 54 16% 15% 15% 14%55 to 64 13% 11% 10% 14%65+ 23% 23% 20% 39%RegionMetro Vancouver 44% 46% 46% 48%Fraser Valley 13% 12% 12% 10%Vancouver Island / Coast 17% 18% 17% 18%Thompson / Kootenays / Okanagan 20% 18% 19% 17%North 6% 6% 6% 7%EducationHigh school or less 28% 25% 24% 30%Vocational / technical / college 28% 26% 26% 23%Some university 16% 14% 14% 12%Graduated university 20% 25% 24% 27%Post-graduate degree 7% 7% 8% 5%Prefer not to answer 2% 3% 3% 3%
Significantly higher / lower than Total 2020*
Significantly higher / lower than Total 2018
*The colour shading compares the demographics of those who have (or have not) experienced a legal problem to the total sample of low-income British Columbians. For example: those who have not experienced a legal problem in the past three years are older than the average low-income resident.
-
RESPONDENT PROFILE
50
Experienced at least one Legal Problem (2020)
Total 2018 Total 2020 Yes NoBase (1,204) (1,207) (974) (233)
Household IncomeLess than $25,000 25% 21% 21% 20%$25,000 to
-
RESPONDENT PROFILE
51
Experienced at least one Legal Problem (2020)
Total 2018 Total 2020 Yes NoBase (1,207) (974) (233)
Ethnic / Cultural BackgroundCanadian - 59% 60% 55%Chinese - 11% 11% 14%European - 10% 9% 11%South Asian - 5% 6% 5%Filipino - 2% 1% 2%Indigenous – First Nations, Inuit, Metis - 2% 2% 1%African - 1% 1% 2%Japanese - 1% 1% 1%Korean - 1% 1% 0%Southeast Asian - 1% 1% %Another ethnic or cultural background - 4% 4% 4%Prefer not to answer - 4% 4% 5%
Significantly higher / lower than Total 2020
-
RESPONDENT PROFILE BY TYPE OF LEGAL PROBLEM EXPERIENCED
52
Type of Legal Problem Experienced
Total2020 Consumer
Employ-ment
Money/ debt
Welfare/ social
assistance
Housing/ land
Immi-gration
Discrimin-ation
Police incidents
Family relation-
ship
Wills & power of attorney
Personal injury
Hospital treatment/
release
Legal action
Base (1,207) (574) (399) (381) (237) (370) (137) (347) (162) (297) (241) (340) (224) (152)
GenderMale 42% 46% 47% 48% 52% 44% 61% 45% 66% 50% 54% 46% 54% 60%Female 57% 54% 52% 51% 47% 55% 38% 53% 33% 48% 44% 53% 44% 39%Other 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% 2% 2% 1% 1% 2%Age18 to 24 15% 18% 21% 18% 23% 21% 21% 22% 14% 17% 13% 19% 20% 18%25 to 34 22% 28% 34% 27% 36% 31% 49% 33% 44% 33% 26% 31% 38% 44%35 to 44 15% 12% 14% 15% 14% 14% 14% 14% 18% 14% 10% 14% 13% 11%45 to 54 15% 17% 15% 18% 13% 13% 7% 12% 12% 17% 12% 16% 14% 8%55 to 64 11% 9% 8% 8% 7% 10% 3% 7% 4% 7% 12% 8% 7% 7%65+ 23% 16% 8% 14% 7% 12% 6% 12% 8% 12% 28% 13% 7% 12%RegionMetro Vancouver 46% 48% 50% 45% 48% 45% 61% 50% 47% 47% 49% 54% 52% 53%Fraser Valley 12% 11% 11% 11% 11% 12% 9% 11% 11% 12% 11% 10% 11% 14%Vancouver Island / Coast 18% 17% 15% 18% 15% 18% 12% 15% 18% 16% 16% 16% 16% 14%Thompson / Koot / OK 18% 19% 18% 19% 20% 18% 13% 16% 17% 19% 18% 17% 15% 14%North 6% 5% 7% 7% 6% 6% 5% 7% 7% 6% 6% 3% 7% 5%EducationHigh school or less 25% 24% 23% 27% 25% 24% 14% 22% 30% 26% 23% 27% 26% 17%Vocational / technical / college 26% 23% 23% 27% 22% 24% 16% 21% 19% 26% 22% 25% 18% 23%Some university 14% 15% 16% 12% 16% 15% 11% 16% 7% 14% 14% 13% 13% 15%Graduated university 25% 26% 25% 23% 25% 26% 37% 28% 29% 22% 26% 23% 27% 27%Post-graduate degree 7% 10% 9% 9% 9% 9% 20% 10% 13% 10% 12% 11% 12% 15%Prefer not to answer 3% 3% 2% 2% 3% 2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 3% 1% 3% 3%
Relatively higher / lower than other problem types
-
RESPONDENT PROFILE BY TYPE OF LEGAL PROBLEM EXPERIENCED
53
Type of Legal Problem Experienced
Total2020 Consumer
Employ-ment
Money/ debt
Welfare/ social
assistance
Housing/ land
Immi-gration
Discrimin-ation
Police incidents
Family relation-
ship
Wills & power of attorney
Personal injury
Hospital treatment/
release
Legal action
Base (1,207) (574) (399) (381) (237) (370) (137) (347) (162) (297) (241) (340) (224) (152)
Household IncomeLess than $25,000 21% 20% 24% 24% 29% 25% 20% 23% 24% 22% 19% 21% 23% 18%$25,000 to
-
RESPONDENT PROFILE BY TYPE OF LEGAL PROBLEM EXPERIENCED
54
Type of Legal Problem Experienced
Total2020 Consumer
Employ-ment
Money/ debt
Welfare/ social
assistance
Housing/ land
Immi-gration
Discrimin-ation
Police incidents
Family relation-
ship
Wills & power of attorney
Personal injury
Hospital treatment/
release
Legal action
Base (1,207) (574) (399) (381) (237) (370) (137) (347) (162) (297) (241) (340) (224) (152)
Ethnic / Cultural BackgroundCanadian 59% 58% 61% 67% 63% 62% 51% 54% 71% 70% 71% 59% 61% 72%Chinese 11% 11% 9% 6% 7% 9% 7% 11% 7% 5% 6% 9% 8% 7%European 10% 9% 8% 8% 9% 9% 10% 7% 5% 8% 11% 8% 8% 8%South Asian 5% 6% 7% 5% 4% 6% 11% 8% 3% 3% 3% 7% 5% 4%Filipino 2% 1% 1% 2% 1% 1% 1% 2% 1% 1% 0% 1%
-
Appendix
55
Slide Number 1CONTENTSSlide Number 3BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVESMETHODOLOGYSlide Number 6HIGHLIGHTSIMPACT OF COVID-19 ON LEGAL PROBLEMSSlide Number 9Slide Number 10MONEY OR DEBT PROBLEMSHOUSING OR LAND PROBLEMSDISCRIMINATION PROBLEMSSlide Number 14Slide Number 15LEGAL PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED IN THE PAST 3 YEARSTYPES OF LEGAL PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED IN THE PAST 3 YEARSTHE EFFECT OF COVID-19 ON INCIDENCE OF LEGAL PROBLEMSTHE EFFECT OF COVID-19 ON EACH LEGAL PROBLEM TYPESlide Number 20TAKING ACTION TO RESOLVE THE LEGAL PROBLEMTAKING ACTION TO RESOLVE THE LEGAL PROBLEM BY PROBLEM TYPEREASONS FOR NOT TAKING ACTION – EVEN THOUGH IT WAS SERIOUSREASONS FOR NOT SEEKING LEGAL ASSISTANCE – EVEN THOUGH IT WAS SERIOUSSlide Number 25SOURCES TURNED TO FOR NON-LEGAL ASSISTANCEEFFECTIVENESS OF SOURCES OF NON-LEGAL ASSISTANCESATISFACTION WITH NON-LEGAL ASSISTANCESlide Number 29SOURCES TURNED TO FOR LEGAL ASSISTANCEEFFECTIVENESS OF SOURCES OF LEGAL ASSISTANCESATISFACTION WITH LEGAL ASSISTANCESlide Number 33PERCEIVED FAIRNESS OF LEGAL PROBLEM OUTCOMEPERCEIVED FAIRNESS OF LEGAL PROBLEM OUTCOME BY PROBLEM TYPESATISFACTION WITH OUTCOME OF THE LEGAL PROBLEMTHE EFFECT OF COVID-19 ON OUTCOME OF THE LEGAL PROBLEMHOW COVID-19 MADE LEGAL PROBLEM WORSETHE EFFECT OF COVID-19 ON ABILITY TO RESOLVE THE LEGAL PROBLEMPERCEIVED OUTCOME OF THE LEGAL PROBLEM WITH MORE ASSISTANCE AVAILABLEPERCEIVED IMPACT OF VARIOUS TYPES OF ASSISTANCESlide Number 42IMPACT OF LEGAL PROBLEMS ON DAILY LIFEIMPORTANCE OF TAKING CARE OF LEGAL PROBLEMS EXPERIENCEDEXPERIENCED ISSUES AS A RESULT OF THE LEGAL PROBLEMSlide Number 46PERCEPTIONS OF FAIRNESS AND CONFIDENCE IN THE JUSTICE SYSTEMSlide Number 48RESPONDENT PROFILERESPONDENT PROFILERESPONDENT PROFILERESPONDENT PROFILE BY TYPE OF LEGAL PROBLEM EXPERIENCEDRESPONDENT PROFILE BY TYPE OF LEGAL PROBLEM EXPERIENCEDRESPONDENT PROFILE BY TYPE OF LEGAL PROBLEM EXPERIENCEDSlide Number 55